Fact Check: Netanyahu financed Hamas

Fact Check: "Netanyahu financed Hamas"

What We Know

The claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu financed Hamas is rooted in a complex history of Israeli policy towards the group. According to a report by The New York Times, Netanyahu's government tolerated and even encouraged Qatari financial support to Hamas, believing that a steady flow of funds would maintain peace in Gaza and keep Hamas focused on governance rather than military action. This policy was based on the assumption that Hamas was not capable of launching large-scale attacks against Israel, a belief that has been criticized in light of the recent October 7 attacks.

Historically, Israel has had a complicated relationship with Hamas. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Israeli authorities supported the establishment of Islamic organizations in Gaza to counter the secular Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (source-2). This support continued until Hamas began its militant activities, leading to a crackdown on the group. More recently, Israeli officials have acknowledged that allowing Qatari funds to flow into Gaza had humanitarian goals, such as paying government salaries and purchasing fuel, but there is also an acknowledgment that these funds may have indirectly supported Hamas's military capabilities (source-1).

Netanyahu has publicly denied accusations that he intentionally empowered Hamas through these financial channels, calling such claims "ridiculous" (source-5). However, critics argue that his strategy of "buying quiet" has ultimately backfired, as it may have contributed to Hamas's military strength (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding this claim is multifaceted. On one hand, credible sources like The New York Times provide detailed accounts of how Netanyahu's government facilitated Qatari financial support to Hamas, suggesting a strategic decision to maintain a balance of power in the region. This is corroborated by historical accounts of Israeli support for Hamas during its early formation as a counterweight to the PLO (source-2).

On the other hand, Netanyahu and his supporters argue that the funds were intended for humanitarian purposes and that the Israeli government has consistently aimed to weaken Hamas through military operations (source-1). This narrative is supported by statements from Israeli officials who claim that the payments were a necessary evil to stabilize Gaza and prevent greater conflict.

The reliability of the sources is generally high, with major news outlets and historical analyses providing a comprehensive view. However, the potential for bias exists, especially in politically charged narratives. For instance, while The New York Times presents a critical view of Netanyahu's policies, other sources like Politico reflect Netanyahu's rebuttals and defense of his actions.

Conclusion

The claim that Netanyahu financed Hamas is Partially True. While it is accurate that his government allowed and facilitated Qatari financial support to Hamas, the intent behind these actions was framed as a strategy to maintain stability in Gaza rather than a direct effort to empower the militant group. The complexity of Israeli policies towards Hamas, combined with the humanitarian justifications for the financial support, complicates the narrative, leading to differing interpretations of Netanyahu's actions.